{"id":12781,"date":"2015-01-08T09:57:36","date_gmt":"2015-01-08T14:57:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/spacing.ca\/ottawa\/?p=12781"},"modified":"2015-01-08T09:57:36","modified_gmt":"2015-01-08T14:57:36","slug":"home-redevelopment-101-guide-residential-re-development-ottawa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/spacing.ca\/ottawa\/2015\/01\/08\/home-redevelopment-101-guide-residential-re-development-ottawa\/","title":{"rendered":"Home Redevelopment 101: A guide to residential re-development in Ottawa"},"content":{"rendered":"
Abandoned Barber Shop, Hintonburg, Ottawa, Charles Crosbie<\/em><\/h6>\n

Every Ottawa neighbourhood is constantly changing.<\/p>\n

Some changes are highly visible, such as single-family homes being knocked down to make way for a multi-unit development. Others, such as a homeowner adding a new deck, are only discernable by the echoes of nails hammering into wood on a Saturday afternoon.<\/p>\n

The time, resources and emotions that go into purchasing property can understandably leave homeowners with the feeling that what\u2019s constructed on their lot is their decision alone.<\/p>\n

But a myriad of municipal planning rules helps to ensure that individual interests are balanced against the wider goals and needs of the community. In other words, a check-in with City Hall may be needed before starting that weekend construction project to make sure your plans and dreams are plausible.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s possible vs. what\u2019s permissible<\/strong><\/p>\n

Getting expert advice is often key to avoiding unwanted surprises down the road, and a good place to start is the City of Ottawa\u2019s 311 service line, and by speaking with a development information officer.<\/p>\n

The City also provides information about development applications<\/a> on its website, including fees, timelines, and appeal processes, as well as a step-by-step guide to support a property owner through the process.<\/p>\n

All new construction projects and property modifications must be aligned with the city\u2019s official plan<\/a>. This important document defines the city\u2019s vision and future direction, outlining how to accommodate growth while supporting heritage and environmental protection. Simply put, the official plan guides where new development should occur, as well as the permitted uses of property (residential, commercial, industrial, mixed-use, etc.) in established areas. Additionally, the official plan contains rules on setbacks, height limits and other parameters that shape a construction project and govern building modifications. It\u2019s easy to find your property on the city\u2019s website and see what restrictions are in place. Use the ward mapping<\/a> or Development Review Areas map<\/a> to verify the location of your development property.<\/p>\n

Types of development applications<\/strong><\/p>\n

In Ottawa, development applications fall into three broad categories: Land Use, Lot Creation, and Lot Development. For the sake of simplification:<\/p>\n